A group of researchers from the University of Michigan has created the first unmanned seaplane that can perform takeoffs and landings on water. The autonomous aircraft, named ‘Flying Fish’, has a 7-foot wingspan. Developed in the framework of a project ...
Toyota’s Violin-Playing Robot
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has recently unveiled a robot capable of playing the violin and even of achieving vibrato. This innovative robot uses precise control and coordination to achieve human-like dexterity. Its hands and arms have 17 joints, which may ...
OmniTread- Snake-Shaped Robot
OmniTread is a snake-like robot capable of climbing high vertical obstacles such as stairs, of moving through rough terrain and of crossing over wide gaps. Developed by a group of researchers from the University of Michigan College of Engineering, OmniTread ...
Show-Bot: Half Human Half Machine
Scheduled to be released in 2008, Show-Bot is one of the latest inventions by International Robotics. It is the world’s first half-human, half-machine electronic robotic costume. Whether used for corporate events, exhibits, advertisements or amusement parks, Show-Bot promises to provide ...
Waalbot – Wall Climbing Robot
Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University have developed a series of robots capable of climbing walls. Inspired by geckos that use tiny fibers located on their feet to adhere to almost any surface, the Waalbot is capable of simple surface locomotion. ...
‘Boss’ Wins DARPA’s Urban Challenge
After several hours of highly eventful competition Carnegie Mellon University’s robotic car team won DARPA’s 2007 Urban Challenge. “Boss”, as it is known, was able to complete all three main missions and 19 submissions successfully scooping gold for Carnegie Mellon ...
Festo’s Bionic Arm
Festo, a German-based company, has developed a novel mechanical arm, using advanced techniques in automated movement. Their “Airic’s Arm” was created after a close study of the “design principles of nature”, and the scientists believe the achieved model comes as ...
Eurobot – Astronaut’s Space Friend
Engineers from the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) have recently completed the first set of trials of a sophisticated machine capable of operating in space, known as the Eurobot. The Eurobot, which has been under development since 2003, is intended to ...
A Look Back at RoboCup 2007
“By mid-21st century, a team of fully autonomous humanoid robot soccer players shall win the soccer game, complying with the official rule of the FIFA, against the winner of the most recent World Cup”. This is the official goal that ...
A New Robotic Hand
An English company named “Shadow Robot” created a robotic imitation of a human hand, the closest one ever to the real thing. The “Shadow Hand” provides 24 different movements, which allow almost identical functionality capabilities as the real flesh and ...